For Boehner, Rampage Imposes Its Own Agenda

[steve2470]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/us/politics/12boehner.html?_r=1&src=un&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Fjson8.nytimes.com%2Fpages%2Fpolitics%2Findex.jsonp

Speaker John A. Boehner expected to spend his first celebratory weeks as the new leader of the House showcasing his party’s differences with the Democrats.

But the shooting rampage in Arizona upended those plans. Now Mr. Boehner is being called on to play a far less partisan role, leading Republicans and Democrats alike through a difficult period.

How he performs will not only be crucial in shaping his national image, but also could frame his relations with his own party and with the Democratic minority. He also faces the challenge of holding on to the political initiative that the Republicans had won in the midterm elections.

Mr. Boehner, other House leaders and their aides are moving cautiously and have not said how soon normal Congressional business will resume, though it is likely that some semblance of routine will be restored next week.

[somone]

1. Well he did lead by example

... House Minority Leader John Boehner said that Rep. Steve Driehaus “may be a dead man” and that he “can’t go home to the west side of Cincinnati” ...

[Buns_of_Fire]

2. Time is not on Boner's side...

Considering one of the first priorities of the Boner House was to be the repeal of "Obamacare" -- which, as I understand, contains a provision that forces insurers to treat mental health issues at parity with other physical issues -- it would not be seemly for his minions to start harping on it.

And as the days go on, and more details of the mental state of the Slimebag of Tucson become known, it's going to become less seemly.

[DCKit]

3. He is not capable or competent. This is a (D) issue. nt

[tanyev]

4. But, but he's got a giant gavel.

Surely that counts for something.

[democrat_patriot]

5. Bring up single payer now.

Bring up every liberal idea and see the rhetoric get ratcheted up again - and than highlight each and every one.